1. Communicating with Adolescents about Sexual Health
Adolescent PCMH Initiative - RI
Department of Family Medicine at Memorial Hospital of RI/Brown Medical School
October 9, 2014

2. High-Risk Behaviors in Adolescents

3. Do Adolescents Want To Be Asked about Sex?
Patients who do not discuss their sexual health with clinicians often wish they had and that the discussion had been part of a routine exam [1,2].
Most adolescents believe it is important to discuss sexual intercourse, contraception, pregnancy, unwanted sexual activity, and sexually transmitted diseases [1].
1. Moreira ED, Brock G, Glasser DB, et al, and GSSAB Investigators' Group. Help-seeking behavior for sexual problems: the global study of sexual attitudes and behaviors. Int J Clin Pract. 2005;59:6-16.
2. Rosenthal SL, Lewis LM, Succop PA, et al. Adolescents' views regarding sexual history taking. Clin Pediatr. 1999;38:

4. Adolescents Want a Provider Who…
Shows they care
Listens to them
Shows interest in their lives/who they are in general ("How are you doing? How's it going?")
Is competent in adolescent health care
Takes into account their wishes in making treatment decisions

5. Adolescents Don’t Want…
Providers who don’t ask them about sexual health
To see a different Provider each time they come to the office
Providers who don’t make eye contact when talking about sexual health (is there something to be embarrassed about?)

6. Confidentiality is crucial!
Teens have very strong attitudes and preferences for confidentiality
They want a healthcare provider who they can trust to maintain confidentiality
They want to be able to speak privately with their provider
Yet, they worry that their private information, esp. related to sexual health concerns, will be shared
Studies find that ensuring confidential care is the best way to increase teens’ decision to seek and return for care and to discuss sensitive topics. It is also an effective way to gain trust and ensure a positive experience with care

7. The 5 P’s of Sexual Health
Partners
Practices
Protection from STDs
Past history of STDs
Prevention of pregnancy